I keep seeing conflicting advice about what we can and can't do under Part 97.113. Can someone break down the main prohibited activities in clear terms?

Specifically confused about: business communications, third-party traffic, retransmissions, and the compensation rules.

Looking for a practical checklist I can reference before keying up.

Here's the big three to remember: No commercial use (97.113(a)(2)), no broadcasting/music (97.113(b)), and no automatic retransmission except for repeaters/auxiliary stations. The compensation rule has specific exceptions for teachers and club stations doing code practice.

Don't forget about the third-party restrictions in 97.115 when working DX stations. Some foreign countries don't allow third-party traffic, so check the list before passing messages internationally.

The key thing I learned: we must cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and making effective use of frequencies. No exclusive use of any frequency, and no amateur operator shall cause interference to other communications.